According to the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
the following are the generally accepted definitions of severe weather advisories:
Flood Watch: High flow or overflow of water from a river is possible
in the given time period. It can also apply to heavy runoff or drainage of water into
low-lying areas. These watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected
to occur at least 6 hours after heavy rains have ended.
Flood Warning: Flooding conditions are actually occurring or are imminent
in the warning area.
Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible in or close to the watch
area. Flash Flood Watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur
within 6 hours after heavy rains have ended.
Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is actually occurring or imminent
in the warning area. It can be issued as a result of torrential rains, a dam failure,
or ice jam.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds greater than
73 mph) are possible in the watch area within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the warning
area in 24 hours or less.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Conditions are conducive to the development
of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A severe thunderstorm has actually been
observed by spotters or indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning
area.
Tornado Watch: Conditions are conducive to the development of tornadoes
in and close to the watch area.
Tornado Warning: A tornado has actually been sighted by spotters or
indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.
Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions with sustained winds
from 39 to 73 mph are possible in the watch area within the next 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in
the warning area within the next 24 hours.
Being
aware of the potential for severe weather will help you stay safe and know when to prepare
for possible power outages. Severe weather alerts are issued for our area by the National
Weather Service and are carried by local radio and television stations, cable TV channels,
Web sites, and NOAA Weather Radio.